How a NC bill would ban DEI in state agencies

RALEIGH, N.C. — Republican North Carolina legislators want to rid state agencies of policies promoting diversity, equity or inclusion.

Under House Bill 171, no state agency could “promote, support, fund, implement or maintain workplace DEI programs, policies, or initiatives.” The bill instructs the state auditor — Republican Dave Boliek — to conduct periodic audits of state agencies to ensure compliance. A state employee who violates the law could lose their job and face a misdemeanor criminal charge.

The bill would also prohibit the use of state funds for DEI initiatives by local governments and “non-state” entities. The bill hasn’t come up for a vote in the state Senate or state House of Representatives.